The Past Is an Inspiration

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(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)

Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 14 June 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 14 June 2025

Topic: GS1 – Modern Indian History; GS2 – Polity & Governance
Context
This editorial revisits India’s rich constitutional legacy and the resilience of democratic institutions. It argues that India’s founding principles — liberty, justice, and equality — drawn from its independence movement, remain vital to addressing contemporary socio-political challenges.

Historical Legacy as a Guide:

  • The Indian Constitution drew heavily from the freedom struggle, emphasizing civil liberties, democratic governance, and inclusive development.

  • Visionaries like Nehru, Ambedkar, and Gandhi embedded principles of justice and equality rooted in India’s pluralistic culture.

Contemporary Democratic Challenges:

  • Rise in polarization, majoritarianism, and erosion of civil liberties poses threats to constitutional morality.

  • Institutions such as the Election Commission, Judiciary, and Parliamentary Committees are under scrutiny for alleged partisanship or institutional weakening.

Role of Citizens and Civil Society:

  • Active civic engagement, informed public discourse, and grassroots activism must protect democratic values.

  • Examples include mass protests like India Against Corruption (2011) and CAA-NRC demonstrations (2019–20).

Learning from Past to Secure the Future:

  • Reaffirming constitutionalism, rule of law, and dignity of the individual is key to social harmony.

  • The editorial advocates for reviving Nehruvian democratic ethos and Gandhian moral politics.

Conclusion / Way Forward:

  • The editorial emphasizes historical memory as a source of democratic renewal.

  • India’s constitutional democracy must be preserved by empowering institutions, respecting dissent, and ensuring legal accountability.

  • The onus lies on citizens, judiciary, and political leaders to uphold the constitutional contract between the State and society.

Historical Inspirations vs Contemporary Challenges:

Foundational Principles Historical Basis Current Relevance
Sovereign & Secular Democracy Nehru’s Vision for Parliamentary Democracy Polarization and identity-based politics threaten inclusivity
Social Justice Ambedkar’s emphasis on abolition of caste hierarchies Continued Dalit and tribal marginalization
Civil Disobedience & Dissent Gandhi’s satyagraha movement Dissent increasingly criminalized under sedition laws
Practice Question: How can the values of India’s freedom movement inspire solutions to contemporary governance and democratic challenges? Illustrate with examples. (GS Paper 1 – 10 Marks – 150 Words)

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